Lovell Police Arrest Two Students for Alleged Terroristic Threats

Two juveniles were arrested last week after allegedly making terroristic threats toward a Wyoming school via social media.

According to a statement from Lovell Chief of Police Dan Laffin, a Lovell school resource officer alerted the department to threats made by one middle school student and one high school student. The threats, reportedly made using an Instagram post, were directed against Lovell Middle School.

Police got a search warrant and traced the threats back to the two suspects. Officers interviewed those juveniles, who allegedly admitted to making the threats, and were immediately arrested.

The juveniles were taken before a magistrate where they were ordered to be held in the Regional Juvenile Detention Center in Casper. Due to their ages, the names of the juveniles will not be released by authorities.

In his statement Laffin said, "We implore parents to speak to their children about the consequences of making threats and the impact of social media. We have many, many great young people who make responsible, positive decisions daily. Please encourage those that do well to continue to do well and reinforce their positive behavior."

"If children become frustrated and feel the need to lash out or make threats, there are several outlets, agencies, counselors, family, clergy and school personnel that are available and can provide direction and guidance to get children through the situation avoiding criminal action," Laffin continued. As the Chief of Police, I can assure you, we hold everyone accountable for their actions…responsibility and accountability are tenants of positive growth."

The Lovell Police Department, Big Horn County Sheriff's Office through their school resource officer, the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and school staff all collaborated on the investigation.